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SLSO closes 24/25 season in dramatic fashion with Peer Gynt

By Eric Dundon

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s final classical program of any season is certainly a special event. The finale of the 2024/25 season was made extra special with a production of Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt—music created for Henrik Ibsen’s play of the same name. Not only was this the first time the SLSO had performed Peer Gynt in its (almost) entirety, the orchestra and St. Louis Symphony Chorus was joined on stage by actors from Concert Theatre Works. This adaptation of Ibsen’s play, distilled from five hours down to two by writer and director Bill Barclay, brought all the laughs and fun of this time-traveling story to life.

The St. Louis performances of Concert Theatre Works’ production was only the fourth in the US, following concerts in Boston, Milwaukee, and Cincinnati.

Audiences leapt to their feet at the conclusion of the concert to celebrate the 200+ artists on stage, which also included acclaimed soprano Camilla Tilling and Vidar Skrede on Hardanger fiddle.

Music Director Stéphane Denève led the concerts, choosing to end the season with “the greatest traveler in orchestral music,” referring to Peer Gynt, the titular character the story follows to three continents over 60 years. The SLSO will open its 2025/26 season on September 26-28 at Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center following a two-year expansion and renovation project.

Photo by Tyler Small

Caleb Mayo, left as Peer Gynt, Marya Lowry, and Robert Walsh.
Denève cues the brass during a moment from Peer Gynt.
Caleb Mayo stands atop a “yacht” during a scene from Peer Gynt.
Soprano Camilla Tilling sang the role of Solveig. Her aria is described by Denève as one of the most touching in the orchestra or operatic repertoire.
Denève and the orchestra were joined by the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, which sang in both English and Norwegian.
From left: Kortney Adams, Caroline Lawton, and Caleb Mayo.
The cast of actors from Concert Theatre Works joined the SLSO on stage, including Vidar Skrede, far left, on Hardanger fiddle.
Stéphane Denève led the orchestra at the Stifel Theatre.
Caleb Mayo, center as Peer Gynt, performs during the madhouse scene.

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